Public Utilities Operator ; Internal & External

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The Town of Taos is seeking qualified applicants for the following full-time position which includes an excellent benefit package; 100% major medical premium paid for employee with a choice of State of New Mexico Blue Cross Blue Shield, Gold HMO & PPO or Presbyterian, Gold HMO & PPO, United Health Care, HMO & PPO. State of New Mexico Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) Retirement, personal leave and holiday pay, employee development and training programs and much more!

VA#26-27-12

Job Title:

Public Utilities Operator I

Public Utilities Department

FLSA Classification:
Non-Exempt

Hourly: $20.09

Opening Date:
October 8, 2026

Closing Date:
Open Until Filled

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs a variety of entry level skilled duties in the operation of heavy and light equipment in the construction, repair, maintenance, and replacement of various components of the Town public utilities systems, including water distribution, wastewater collection or related public utilities operations.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under general supervision of a Public Utilities Superintendent or Foreman.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

General: Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment, cleans equipment and refers defects or needed repairs to supervisor. Performs all other assigned tasks.

Meter Reader: Operates electronic, hand‑held meter reading instruments; reads commercial and residential utility water meters on assigned routes and records meter readings; rereads "exception list" meters; loads meter readings from hand‑held meter reading units into computer and unloads route information from hand‑held meter reading units; processes meter data as needed to prepare billing notices for printing and mailing.

Performs general customer service in communicating account activity; actions related to connections and disconnections of water service; interacts with the public on meter reading questions.

Visually checks operation of meters and reports tampering or damage; may perform general and routine meter repairs; performs seasonal duties, insulates meters to prevent freezing; responds to service calls to thaw frozen lines or connections; utilizes torch or thawing equipment.

Notes readings which appear to be high or low and assists in meter repair as needed; maintains accurate records of readings, schedules, damaged meters, etc., and forwards information to the appropriate Town workers.

Performs preventative maintenance on assigned vehicle and keeps vehicle in good working order.

Water Systems
:
Operates a variety of equipment in the construction, operation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of Town water facilities and systems.

Performs installation or repair of water service connections, repairs, maintains or replaces fire hydrants water meters; meter cans, meter valves, etc.; repairs water mains; thaws frozen lines and water meters; insulates water meters; cleans and maintains storage tanks and well houses; connects and disconnects service; searches out main water valves; repairs water line leaks; assists in placement of pipe and water regulators;

removes, disassembles, cleans or replaces defective parts of regulators, ; collects water samples to assure compliance with all local, state, and federal standards and regulations. Maintenance of well and water storage tank sites.

Inspects and/or repairs Mix equipment or other chlorination units, booster pumping stations, water meters, storage…